good eats in bucktown.

since johnny and i are still in the midst of a gloomy job search, we're trying to eat on the cheap when and if we go out to eat. i wouldn't call birchwood kitchen cheap, but it's a terrific place to get some really delectable goods at a somewhat reasonable price. yesterday, we went there and i had a wednesday special-- ham, tellagio and red pepper relish. that was quite good, but the most delicious part was the beet salad i had on the side. i asked someone who worked there (super friendly & very knowledgeable staff) what they put in the salad and i was able to get the inside scoop: citrus, walnut pesto, a tiny bit of arugula and a goat feta cheese. i'll be going back for this salad alone. i'm going to try to make it on my own, too, so i'll let you know how that goes.

if you live in the chicago area, i highly recommend this wonderful and food-conscious "deli" and i use that word very loosely. "kitchen" does seem more appropriate, i have to say. and if you go before summer ends, sit on the patio. it's adorable.

p.s. johnny had the salmon salad on toasted brioche and a jalapeno pineapple cole slaw, but he started to eat it too soon for me to get a picture :)